Objective:
To ensure the physical and emotional safety of both dogs and staff by utilizing a standardized evaluation system and prioritizing clear safety protocols.
Safety Mindset:
Safety should be embedded into the culture of your daycare. Every decision, from how dogs are grouped to how interactions are managed, should consider safety first. Fun can still be achieved when safety is in place, but if safety is compromised, it creates long-term risks for both the dogs and staff.
Dog Rotation Protocols: When rotating dogs between play areas, have a clear system for managing dogs moving through different zones to avoid congestion or potential conflicts during transitions.
Reinforce Safety Culture:
During onboarding, emphasize that safety is non-negotiable. Teach staff to always default to safety protocols even in high-energy or demanding situations.
Daily Safety Check-Ins: Start each shift with a short safety briefing. Encourage staff to highlight any concerns regarding dog behavior, facility conditions, or tools. This creates a consistent habit of being safety-conscious.
Create a culture where staff feel empowered to pause activities if they sense a potential safety risk and evaluate or adjust the situation before continuing.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Although working with dogs is often hands-on, proper safety gear such as gloves, bite sleeves, and even dog-handling tools like slip leads and muzzles can be essential.
Training in PPE: Ensure all staff know when and how to use PPE. For example, when handling a potentially reactive dog, they should use protective gear.
Conduct PPE drills where staff practice using gloves or protective jackets while managing dogs in different scenarios, making them comfortable using gear on the go.
Clear Safety Zones in the Facility:
Define Isolation Areas: Set up designated areas to separate dogs that are overstimulated, aggressive, or need a break. These areas should be equipped with essentials like water, toys, and comfortable bedding to provide dogs a quiet space.
Create Visible Boundaries: Clearly label isolation areas so that all staff and visitors know these are restricted zones for the safety of the dogs and themselves.
Ensure that all staff are trained in identifying when a dog needs to be placed in a safety zone based on their body language (e.g., excessive panting, growling, or rigid posture).